Roger Beckerman Wins
1984 PPA National Medal-Play Championship

Columbus, OH - 30 June 1984 - "I am still amazed," said Roger Beckerman, shaking his head in disbelief after capturing the title of National Medal-Play Champion in the $15,000 Championship Tournament sponsored by the Professional Putters Association in Columbus, Ohio on June 30th, 1984.

"The goal I had set for myself was to finish in the top 10 in this tournament. This is really great."

The rewards of not being pressured from goals set too high brought Beckerman to the top from a field of 153 professional putters who teed off in this, the most prestigious tournament of the PPA season.

Beckerman, eight years a member of the Professional Putters Association playing out of Euclid, Ohio, fired six rounds of 28-23-22-26-28-25 for a six round total of 152 (64-under par) to edge out Rick Shelton of Abilene, TX and Randall Willett of Grand Prairie, TX who finished in a tie at 154 and collected second prize monies of $825 each.

Defending champion, Steve Guyton of Columbus, Ohio, claimed fifth place and $500, firing a 156 for the six rounds of competition.

Accepting his winnings, a handsome National Championship plaque and a check for $2,000, from David Lloyd, Beckerman admitted ,"I would not have been disappointed if I had not won, but I am really glad I did win." Beckerman is a baker by trade and a putter forthefunofit. An now, Roger Beckerman is a champion.

Professional Scores from the 1984 National Medal-Play Championship
(Columbus, OH)

Round Prize
Player 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total

 Money
1 Roger Beckerman Euclid, OH 28 23 22 26 28 25 152

$ 2,000.00
2 Randall Willett Grand Prairie, TX 29 26 24 24 24 27 154 $ 825.00
Rick Shelton Abilene, TX 23 27 26 24 27 27 154 $ 825.00
4 Ron Frederick Columbus, OH 24 28 29 26 24 24 155 $ 600.00
5 Steve Guyton Columbus, OH 30 27 22 22 29 26 156 $ 500.00
6 John Napoli Columbus, OH 26 25 27 27 27 23 157 $ 408.33
Ray Miller Columbus, OH 25 25 24 29 28 26 157 $ 408.33
Steve Lyon Charlotte, NC 24 29 28 24 26 26 157 $ 408.33
9 Terry Phillips Gastonia, NC 28 25 29 28 24 24 158 $ 350.00
10 Charlie Greenwalt Indianapolis, IN 21 27 24 26 32 29 159 $ 301.66
Paul Grider Ft. Wayne, IN 25 27 26 32 23 26 159 $ 301.66
Austin Jones Springfield, OH 25 31 25 26 26 26 159 $ 301.66
13 Chuck Dibbs Virginia Beach, VA 28 26 24 28 26 29 160 $ 260.00
14 Lewis Burton Chamblee, GA 30 26 26 29 25 25 161 $ 206.00
Bruce Kaiser Cincinnati, OH 30 27 27 26 24 27 161 $ 206.00
Jim Starr Toledo, OH 27 25 27 27 25 30 161 $ 206.00
Eddie Coy Louisville, KY 26 27 26 27 29 26 161 $ 206.00
Andy Coradini Chattanooga, TN 23 24 23 30 29 32 161 $ 206.00
19 Steve Haeseker Dayton, OH 33 25 26 28 25 25 162 $ 155.00
Buddy Taylor Baltimore, MD 33 24 29 25 26 25 162 $ 155.00
Bobby Gilmore Burlington, NC 25 27 26 29 28 27 162 $ 155.00
Tracy Connor Monroeville, PA 23 24 29 30 29 27 162 $ 155.00
23 Greg Ward Knoxville, TN 31 31 25 27 23 26 163 $ 115.00
Jay Klapper Atlanta, GA 30 28 27 27 25 26 163 $ 115.00
Ed Haggerty Farmville, NC 26 32 27 25 24 28 163 $ 115.00
Mark Coup Columbus, OH 26 27 26 26 29 29 163 $ 115.00
27 Paul Pastilong North Olmstead, OH 30 27 30 28 24 25 164 $ 100.00
John Martin Advance, NC 28 31 27 28 23 27 164 $ 100.00
Jim Borchelt Loveland, OH 26 28 27 30 28 25 164 $ 100.00
Bill Locke Rockville, MD 29 31 24 26 23 31 164 $ 100.00
Joe Furr Rockville, MD 30 29 21 30 24 30 164 $ 100.00
32 William Thompson North Olmstead, OH 27 30 27 27 28 26 165 $ 100.00
Alan Quinnelly Atlanta, GA 24 30 29 26 26 28 165 $ 100.00
34 Rod Miller Columbus, OH 29 31 26 29 25 26 166 $ 100.00
Paul Moore Houston, TX 25 31 29 29 26 26 166 $ 100.00
Scott Anderson Richmond, VA 30 29 23 32 26 26 166 $ 100.00
Keith Barfield Dallas, TX 28 30 27 28 25 28 166 $ 100.00
Jeff Spainhour Norfolk, VA 26 31 27 25 33 24 166 $ 100.00
Danny McCaslin Memphis, TN 30 28 25 24 28 31 166 $ 100.00
40 Richard Schnelle Springfield, OH 25 29 25 30 28 30 167 $ 100.00
41 Cyndi Carlson Virginia Beach, VA 32 27 28 26 28 27 168 $ 100.00
Dan Anders Columbus, GA 27 27 26 32 25 31 168 $ 100.00
Jeff Estep Dayton, OH 24 28 31 29 25 31 168 $ 100.00
44 Evelyn Florin Fayetteville, GA 28 32 31 26 22 30 169 $ 100.00
Gary Benfield Charlotte, NC 30 26 31 29 26 27 169 $ 100.00
Edward Moyer Toledo, OH 29 28 28 31 22 31 169 $ 100.00
Rex Thayer Dayton, OH 32 28 26 28 28 27 169 $ 100.00
Rainey Statum Kingswood, TX 29 31 25 28 25 31 169 $ 100.00
Jude Prather Arlington, TX 29 29 29 26 31 25 169 $ 100.00
Dick Florin Fayetteville, NC 26 33 25 29 29 27 169 $ 100.00
James Dougherty Cincinnati, OH 33 28 27 23 27 31 169 $ 100.00
Terry McCarthy North Olmstead, OH 26 25 28 31 26 32 169 $ 100.00
Mark Ross Champaign, IL 25 31 28 24 32 29 169 $ 100.00
Dell Eshelman Columbus, OH 25 27 25 28 35 29 169 $ 100.00
55 Mike McKewen Cinicnnati, OH 28 32 28 25 25 30 170 $ 100.00
Daniel Shaw Forest Park, GA 32 28 29 26 24 31 170 $ 100.00
Donald Parker Stafford, TX 24 29 28 29 28 32 170 $ 100.00
Joe Skaggs Ashland, KY 28 30 24 27 27 32 170 $ 100.00
59 Neil Frandsen Buffalo, NY 27 31 31 28 24 30 171 $ 100.00
Dave Taylor Baltimore, MD 31 30 30 25 27 28 171 $ 100.00
Craig Creasy Columbus, OH 26 30 26 34 31 24 171 $ 100.00
Angelo Korogianos Toledo, OH 25 32 28 30 28 28 171 $ 100.00
Doug Pedigoe Louisville, KY 29 28 28 30 28 28 171 $ 100.00
64 Jeff McDonald Tucson, AZ 31 27 33 26 28 26 172 $ 100.00
Bobby Kirby Greenville, SC 27 28 27 34 28 28 172 $ 100.00
John Crawford Burlington, NC 34 30 24 28 28 28 172 $ 100.00
William High Louisville, KY 29 29 27 29 29 29 172 $ 100.00
Bill Kirby Fayetteville, NC 27 28 29 26 26 35 172 $ 100.00
69 Roger Nichols Altus, OK 30 29 27 29 30 28 173 $ 100.00
Michael O'Rourke Monroeville, PA 28 28 28 29 29 31 173 $ 100.00
Joe Smith Cincinnati, OH 29 25 28 31 31 29 173 $ 100.00
Ed Bozzacco Phoenix, AZ 28 31 23 31 31 29 173 $ 100.00
73 Billye Brazelton Huntsville, AL 29 28 31 28 29 29 174 $ 50.00
Rudy Cuellar Houston, TX 33 29 26 27 29 30 174 $ 50.00

Buddy Taylor Wins 1984 National Seniors Championship

Columbus, OH - 30 June 1984 - For many players Putt-Putt has become a way of life. It is part of their family life and brings memories of past wins and championships. Buddy Taylor is one of those players.

The 47 year old Baltimore, MD resident carried on a winning tradition by capturing the National Seniors Championship in Columbus, Ohio on June 30, 1984. Taylor, the 1978 World Champion, earned $400 for the victory, defeating Ed Bozzacco of Phoenix, AZ ($250).

Taylor has established himself as one of the premier putters in his 24 year professional career. Among his 25 tournament wins are the B.G. Open in 1972, the Bicentennial Tournament in 1976, and the prestigious World Championship in 1978. He has been honored with the Sportsmanship Award (1970) and the Elton Davis Award, and has earned nearly $50,000 in prize money.

Taylor's family is also involved in Putt-Putt. His wife Audrey, was a tour player in the 1960's; his daughter Kim is a former Ladies National Champion; and his son David, is an active participant in tournaments.

Yes, Putt-Putt is a way of life for Buddy Taylor. He has rekindled winning memories and once again earned the title of champion.

Senior Division Scores from the 1984 National Medal-Play Championship (Columbus, OH)

Round Prize
Player 1 2 3 4 Total Money
1 Buddy Taylor Baltimore, MD 33 24 29 25 111 $ 400.00
2 Ed Bozzacco Phoenix, AZ 28 31 23 31 113 $ 250.00
3 Earl Brabb Springfield, OH 31 29 26 29 115 $ 200.00
4 Edward Moyer Toledo, OH 29 28 28 31 116 $ 125.00
5 Jimmy Harritos Winter Park, FL 32 28 32 25 117 $ 125.00
6 Gene Wolff Maumee, OH 30 32 28 30 120 $ 100.00
Charles Connor, Jr. Asheville, NC 30 34 30 26 120 $ 100.00
8 Bill Walsh Charlotte, NC 31 31 34 26 122 $ 100.00
9 Ed Crump Shreveport, LA 35 31 31 32 129 $ 100.00
10 Don Thompson High Point, NC 34 33 26 37 130 $ 100.00
11 Philip Yeager Louisville, KY 33 36 32 30 132 $ 100.00
12 Howell Smith Chamblee, GA 38 35 28 34 135 $ 100.00
13 Martha Crump Shreveport, LA 34 36 30 28 138 $ 100.00
14 Don Sheets Springfield, OH 34 37 29 39 139 $ 100.00

Paul Johns Wins 1984 Amateur National Championship

Columbus, OH - 30 June 1984 - In a hotly contested battle, Paul Johns of Toledo, Ohio fought off strong challenges from three putters to claim the National Amateur Medal-Play Championship on June 30th, 1984, in Columbus, Ohio.

Johns, 26, posted a score of 163 over 6 18-hole rounds to turn back Don Ferrell of Columbus, who finished with a 166 total. Judy Howard of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Gene Reams of Columbus, finished tied for third place at 168.

"The win was very important to me since I'm known primarily as a match-play player," says Johns. "I had only played about three rounds the month before the championship and was not that confident."

But Johns cites concentration as the key to his victory. "I kept my head together and was confident going into the final round. I played well all day."

An amateur for five years, Johns has won 100 tournaments during his career. Once again he can experience the thrill of being a champion.

Although his career victories may be fewer than Johns', Sam Minturn of Columbus also experienced the feeling of being a champion by capturing the National Novice Championship. Minturn's score of 191 over six rounds earned him the title.

Too often, only professional champions are recognized. Amateur and novice players are forced to accept only personal satisfaction. But Putt-Putt is proud of these players and values their participation. At Putt-Putt all players are champions.

Amateur Scores from the 1984 National Medal-Play Championship (Columbus, OH)

Round Prize
Player 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total Money
1 Paul Johns Toledo, OH 29 29 24 28 24 27 163 $ 50.00
2 Don Ferrell Columbus, OH 27 27 31 28 23 30 166 $ 50.00
3 Gene Reams Columbus, OH 33 29 29 23 27 27 168 $ 50.00
Judy Howard Tulsa, OK 27 29 25 31 26 30 168 $ 50.00
5 Jeff Carr Cleveland, OH 33 26 26 33 27 24 169 $ 50.00
Jon Eigen Rockville, MD 32 30 25 28 26 28 169 $ 50.00
Ken Lacey Springfield, OH 28 31 25 28 27 30 169 $ 50.00
8 Rick Desautels Toledo, OH 30 31 29 24 27 29 170 $ 50.00

Charlie Greenwalt Wins 1984 National Match-Play Championship

Columbus, OH - 1 July 1984 - In a dazzling exhibition of putting skill, Charlie Greenwalt, Indianapolis, IN, claimed the 1984 $10,000 National Match-Play Championship of the Professional Putters Association.

Greenwalt advanced through six 36-hole matches to meet 20-year old Cyndi Carlson from Virginia Beach, VA in the final match of the competition.

"I finally won one!" proclaimed Greenwalt, accepting his winner's check for $1,500 and his Championship Plaque. When asked what his goals would be after finally making the winner's circle, Greenwalt answered enthusiastically, " ... to win again."

Greenwalt has been a contender for eight years in the PPA, finishing in the final 8 to qualify for television in 1983 and boasting lifetime money winnings now of $13,500.

Greenwalt counts support and encouragement from his fellow putters as a big reason for his success. "I don't keep cool when I play. My intensity level is always high. I love competition. I just love it!"

"Just because I was playing a female in the that last match didn't make anything easier. I don't take anybody lightly. You can't."

Runner-up Cyndi Carlson has already proved that she was not to be taken lightly by mowing down a brigade of former champions to advance to the final round in the match-play event that hosted 133 contenders in the field. Carlson ousted former TV contenders John Crawford, Ed Haggerty, Dan Anders, Kim Taylor, Bill Thompson, and outstanding pro Paul Pastilong to meet Greenwalt.

"When the pairings were drawn, lots of players said, "Bye-bye Cyndi." As a rookie in the Nationals I drew a pretty rough bracket. But that is the way I wanted it. It means a lot to me to win this way.

"I coach the Junior Putters of America team in Virginia Beach and I remember for myself what I always tell them. Never get down. You've got to think you always have a chance to come back."

As Carlson was accepting her second place check for $800 in prize money from David Lloyd, PPA Commissioner, her mind was already set on what lay ahead in the PPA winners circle. With a confident smile Carlson said, "I'll definitely be back." Greenwalt smiled too. The smile of a champion.

Kelly Morris Wins 1984 National Amateur Match-Play Championship

Columbus, OH - 1 July 1984 - High school students often enjoy success on a local level through athletics of special achievements. But Kelly Morris, 16, of Charlotte, NC is one student who can boast of being the best in the United States in his field.

Kelly emerged victorious in the National Amateur Match-Play Tournament held July 1, 1984, in Columbus, Ohio. A Putt-Putt employee in Charlotte, Kelly credits his JPA experience and practice time as keys to his victory.

"JPA Coach Rick Baird helped me a lot with shots and his confidence. I was very nervous during the first round," Kelly said.

Kelly overcame his nervousness to defeat Michael Bell of Columbus in the Championship Match. "When I beat Paul Johns (National Amateur Medal-Play Champion) in the quarterfinals, I thought I had a good chance to win it all."

Despite his victory, Kelly has no plans to turn pro. "I'm satisfied with the rewards of playing as an amateur," he says. One of those rewards is being called a champion.

 
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